Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder With Caramelized Onions

This is VERY good! Second time I had a large boneless Boston Butt from the Farmer's market. I inserted garlic slivers, scored the skin and then rubbed the meat with salt, pepper, rosemary and thyme, then refrigerated for about 5 hours and it was just as good! Have also added some chopped, peeled apples and it adds a nice dimension to the flavor. I usually add more garlic, and some carrots and celery. If you like it nice and juicy, use 2 cups of apple cider. Third time, I browned and did the onions and cider the night before and then fridged it over night. Next day, just slow cooked it.This is from Gourmet Magazine, Dec.2001.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 (3 -4 lb)  pork shoulder butt, half (preferably arm picnic)
• 2  garlic cloves, cut into slivers
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 lbs onions, halved lengthwise, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (5 or 6 medium)
• 3⁄4 cup  unfiltered apple cider

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F
2. Score fat and any skin on pork in a crosshatch pattern. Make slits all over meat with a small sharp knife and insert a garlic sliver in each slit. Pat pork dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a 4- to 5-quart ovenproof heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown meat on all sides, turning occasionally with the aid of tongs and a carving fork, about 8 minutes. Transfer pork to a plate.
4. Add onions to pot and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
5. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes more.
6. Stir in cider and return pork to pot.
7. Cover pot with a tight-fitting lid and braise pork in middle of oven until very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
8. Transfer pork to a serving dish with the aid of tongs and carving fork.
9. Boil cooking juices with onions until mixture is reduced to about 2 cups, 2 to 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper and serve with pork.
10. Cooks' note:· Pork can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered. Reheat in liquid, covered, at 325°F 1 hour.